Resource information
This report provides an overview of the
World Bank Group’s engagement in the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA) region, highlighting the new operating model
of the World Bank Group. In particular, the report provides
insight on the key challenges and strategic engagement of
each sector (Global Practice) in MENA and details some of
the key cross-cutting challenges that countries face. This
report serves as a basis to convene international thought
leaders, as well as internal and external stakeholders, in
the context of developing a new strategy for the Middle East
and North Africa region later this year. The region faces
three challenges in particular: (a) long-standing
distortions that have generated jobless growth and poor
service delivery as well as low financial access and
inclusion; (b) severe imbalances that threaten macroeconomic
stability; and (c) deep political and social tensions, at
times escalating into violent conflict. The World Bank
Group’s current engagement supports four key pillars: (a)
strengthening governance; (b) ensuring economic and social
inclusion; (c) creating jobs; and (d) accelerating
sustainable growth. Progress on these pillars can be made
through a two-pronged approach focused on addressing the
immediate needs arising from humanitarian crises throughout
the region while also giving sustained attention to the
investments and reforms needed for medium- and long-term
development. This two-pronged approach is necessary to help
governments cope with immediate pressures on already fragile
institutions and at the same time develop long-term
strategies to address deep-seated issues that have hindered
inclusive growth and prosperity for decades. This report
details nine specific cross-cutting challenges: climate
change; decentralization; disaster risk management;
fragility, conflict and violence; fuel subsidies and social
safety nets; gender; governance and service delivery in
health and education; private sector development and job
creation; and public-private partnerships. Looking ahead,
responding to the changing realities on the ground, the
World Bank Group is rethinking its regional strategy in
order to maximize its impact in the Middle East and North
Africa. This new strategy, which is currently under
preparation, will aim to step up the Bank Group’s engagement
in the region in order to achieve shared growth and
prosperity, as well as work with partners to convene change
in the region.
